The popular Bollywood crime franchise, Shootout, is set for a major international expansion. The third installment, titled 'Shootout in Dubai', will mark the series' first move outside Mumbai and will feature actor Harshvardhan Rane in the lead role. This represents a significant shift for the series, which was originally based on real-life police encounters in Mumbai's underworld.
A Franchise Steps Onto the Global Stage
According to reports, the decision to take the franchise's action abroad came after years of internal discussion among the creators. While initial plans considered Delhi as a potential location, the team ultimately zeroed in on Dubai for its expansive scale and cinematic appeal. The film is a sequel to the 2007 movie 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' and the 2013 film 'Shootout at Wadala'.
This new chapter will depart from the franchise's roots in documented history. Instead, it will present a completely fictional, contemporary crime narrative designed to feel grand and modern. A source indicated that this move officially takes the franchise international, signaling a distinct new direction. Harshvardhan Rane is currently the only actor confirmed for the project, positioning him as the face of this ambitious revamp.
Script Perfected Through Six Drafts
The development of 'Shootout in Dubai' has been a meticulous process. The project has been in the works since 2021, and its script underwent a rigorous six rewrites. Producers Ektaa R Kapoor and co-creator Sanjay Gupta were reportedly adamant that the storyline match the intense aggression and attitude that defined the earlier, successful films.
"There was no pressure to rush this. The makers were very clear that unless the script carried the same aggression and attitude as Lokhandwala and Wadala, they wouldn't greenlight it. Each draft was about the tone. It seems they finally have something they can bet on and will lock it by March," a source revealed.
Dubai to Define the Film's New Visual Identity
The choice of Dubai is central to the film's new aesthetic. The city's iconic landscape is expected to give the movie a sleek, international feel while maintaining the franchise's core violent energy. The source added, "This one is designed to feel swankier. Dubai allows for scale, be it glass buildings, highways, night action, a more international visual grammar. It's still a Shootout film, but with a fresh skin."
This strategic shift aims to broaden the franchise's appeal by combining its established formula of high-octane action with a glamorous, global setting, all anchored by a new leading man in Harshvardhan Rane.
